Moraine Park and Moraine Meadows

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park’s landscape has been shaped by the cyclical growth, recession and reconstitution of glaciers over many millennia. Glacial movement grinds the land beneath it, depositing till on its margins that accumulate on ridges called moraines. Wide, flat depressions sometimes form where glaciers end their downhill progression, ringed by the land (moraines) they’ve displaced. Moraine Park is one such place where glaciers once settled and subsequently receded, leaving a broad, level expanse in its place. Moraine Park is braided by the Big Thompson River and Cub Creek, perennial flows that support bountiful grasses and wildlife.